Mario Balotelli locked in custody battle over daughter he refused to meet for a year

BATTLE: Mario Balotelli is locked in a legal disagreement with ex Rafaella Fico over custody of their daughter Pia [EMPICS ]

The former Manchester City striker is battling with ex Raffaella Fico for the right to visit his daughter Pia.

The AC Milan star, who has courted controversy throughout his career, only accepted he was Pia's father after DNA tests in February.

Both Balotelli and Miss Fico attended a court in Brescia to argue over how often the 23-year-old will be allowed to see his child.

MOTHER: Fico had a fraught relationship with the talented striker during their time together [EMPICS]

COUPLE: Fico fell pregnant while dating Balotelli during his time with Manchester City [FLYNET]

DNA: Balotelli only accepted Pia as his daughter following a DNA test [WENN]

“I cannot turn up if I am not certain of being her father, because children mustn't be disappointed by adults who then disappear”

Mario Balotelli

Balotelli, who is expected to lead Italy's attack against England in their opening World Cup fixture, held his daughter for the first time last month after being granted special permission by a judge.

Alessandra Capuano, Balotelli's lawyer, told Corriere della Sera: "We are well on track to finding a way for both parents to fully collaborate."

Miss Fico fell pregnant in 2012 with Balotelli claiming she told the media before him.

TOGETHER: Balotelli is currently dating Fanny Neguesha [SPLSAH]

TRAIN: Balotelli practices with teammates as Italy prepare for the World Cup [EPA]

Balotelli then refused to meet Pia until it was proven that she was her daughter despite his ex-girlfriend's pleas on social media.

"I cannot turn up if I am not certain of being her father, because children mustn't be disappointed by adults who then disappear. I know something about that," the former Inter striker told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Balotelli is currently in an on-off relationship with model Fanny Neguesha.

It emerged on Wednesday that Balotelli had been racially abused at Italy's training camp in Coverciano, near Florence.

There are reports men called Balotelli a "black piece of s***" during a coaching session.

The Milan forward is said to have told teammates: "Unbelievable. Only in Rome and Florence do these things happen."